Monday: Flea Markets May Stay, After All

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The flea market in Canton's University Shopping Plaza on Route 11 may survive, after all.

The plaza's owner told 7 News Monday that he's attempting to arrange a "co-op" that would allow flea market vendors to remain inside the building that houses the "Fashion Kraze" clothing store.

Vendors appeared to face eviction Friday because the flea market's operator, Frank Monnett, failed to pay his July rent.

"We're going to try to keep it alive as long as I can," said David Muraco, the plaza's owner.

Muraco said the flea market vendors would pay him rent directly, at a lower rate than they were paying Monnett. He said he is trying to attract new businesses and they might end up in smaller spaces, but they would be allowed to remain at least through Christmas.

Muraco said a grocery store and a bakery outlet store were possible tenants.

Meanwhile, Monnett called the eviction "unfortunate" for the vendors.

Nearly 100 vendors were told they were losing their space in the Fashion Kraze store and had to be out by August 3. Monnett told 7 News reporter John Friot the issue boils down to "a case of big business pushing the little guy out the door."

Vendors said Monnett - who shared in the proceeds of their sales - told them they wouldn't be reimbursed for July sales. In addition, they were asked to sign notes that promised they would be paid for other money they're owed within six months.